CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 05/25/2004
- Released on: 05/24/2004
As you'd expect with such an expensive 17-inch LCD (approximately $800 as of May 2004), the FP783 offers good connectivity options. It provides both an analog and a digital input, and BenQ supplies cords for both. A detachable panel on the back of the monitor does a terrific job keeping cables organized and hidden. Stashed behind the display's left edge are two downstream USB inputs, into which you can plug a keyboard, a digital camera, or another peripheral without reaching around to the back of your PC. On top of the panel is a third USB port for BenQ's $40 detachable Webcam (sold separately). BenQ also offers an optional $40 set of 2-watt speakers with SRS surround sound, which we did not test. The FP783's standard image-adjustment controls, subtly tucked into the bezel's wavy right edge, are fairly easy to use, and we like that they include a dedicated auto-adjustment button.
 One of the FP783's three USB ports sits atop the panel, well situated for a Webcam. |
Tested on the digital connection at its native resolution of 1,280x1,024, the FP783 was a mediocre performer in CNET Labs' DisplayMate tests. Text looked readable and reasonably sharp, and colors looked vibrant and true enough for typical productivity use. But while BenQ claims a contrast ratio of 500:1 for the FP783, we found the contrast to suffer from somewhat washed-out blacks. We also found the display's viewing angles fairly limited, and we saw distortions when tilting the screen even slightly. Unlike that of BenQ's FP767-12, the FP783's 12ms pixel-response rate seemed to benefit its DVD-motion performance. Streaking and ghosting were minimal, and colors looked good, although we detected a bit of digital noise. Still, Samsung's SyncMaster 172X, one of the few other LCDs on the market with a 12ms response time, delivered above-average DVD playback, better overall image quality, and a comparably slick design for considerably less money.
BenQ covers the FP783 with a standard three-year warranty for parts, labor, and backlight. Should you need to return the display to BenQ during the warranty's first year, the company will replace it with a refurbished unit within 48 hours and pay shipping costs both ways; BenQ will pay for shipping one way during the second and third years.
CNET Labs DisplayMate tests (Longer bars indicate better performance)
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CNET score |
Brightness in cd/m²
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Measured with the Minolta CA-210 |
Find out more about how we test LCDs.
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